Apple's iPad line is three years ahead of its Android counterpart, a study has suggested.

Research by the International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that the California-based firm will control the tablet market until 2015 following the launch of its new iPad tomorrow (March 16).

Apple has dominated the sector since the launch of the first iPad in 2010, though its market share has fallen over the last 18 months as tablets carrying the Google operating system have flooded the market.

"As the sole vendor shipping iOS products, Apple will remain dominant in terms of worldwide vendor unit shipments," said Tom Mainelli, a research director at IDC.

"However, the sheer number of vendors shipping low-priced, Android-based tablets means that Google's OS will overtake Apple's in terms of worldwide market share by 2015."

Mainelli went on to say that iOS devices will maintain a revenue marketshare lead indefinitely due to its extensive library of apps, music and other media.

"We expect iOS to remain the revenue market share leader through the end of our 2016 forecast period and beyond," he added.

The new iPad will land with a Retina display, A5X processor and 4G connectivity, as well as an iSight camera capable of Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities with video stabilisation and noise reduction.

Those hoping to purchase the device on March 16 will have to queue up at Apple's retail stores, or visit official resellers.